Bill could add up to 10 years to prison sentence for drug dealers

Easton lawmaker files legislation that could add 10 years onto prison sentences for people convicted of selling drugs within 300 feet of substance abuse and addiction treatment centers.

Benjamin Paulin The Patriot Ledger @BPaulin_Ledger

BROCKTON – With drug abuse rampant in Brockton, Mayor Bill Carpenter said he was excited to hear about a bill submitted to the State House that could help police and deter drug dealers.

Rep. Claire Cronin, D-Easton, filed legislation on Monday that could add 10 years onto the prison sentence for people convicted of selling drugs within 300 feet of substance abuse and addiction treatment centers.

"Realistically, I don't want drug dealers in any part of my city, but I believe that this bill can provide an additional tool to law enforcement," Carpenter said.

If passed into law, it would apply to all treatment, counseling and support service facilities that deal with drug addiction and abuse in the state.

"It's imperative that we provide a safe haven for people seeking addiction treatment," Carpenter said. "This is particularly meaningful right now because we're in the middle of an overdose epidemic in the Brockton area."

Cronin said she hopes the bill will send a clear message that dealing drugs will not be tolerated in the state.

"Drug dealers are predators who prey on vulnerable people as they are seeking treatment for substance abuse and addiction," Cronin said. "In the same way we aim to keep child sexual predators away from our school yards, we must keep drug dealers away from treatment centers."

Rep. Michael D. Brady, D-Brockton, was a co-sponsor of the bill. He said people who deal drugs to those who are in their most vulnerable state should be "punished severely."

The bill is in the clerk's office of the House of Representatives. It will then be sent to the House Committee on Rules.